The sextant is a “doubly reflecting navigation instrument that works by measuring the angular distance between two visible objects” and derives its name from the shape of its frame which, traditionally, is one-sixth of a circle, or in Latin, sextantis/sextãns. Isaac Newton had explored its principles back around the turn of the 17th century, well before the invention of satellites and our ever-loved but over-relied upon GPS (or even electricity itself). For that reason alone, they make an invaluable tool for anyone planning to rewrite the record book and circumnavigate the globe in their handmade, one man canoe!

The Royal Crafts range of Sextants are not only beautifully hand-crafted examples of this sailor’s ‘best friend’, they are also a great dinner-party conversation starter. All our sextants are presented in their own custom-made wo...

The sextant is a “doubly reflecting navigation instrument that works by measuring the angular distance between two visible objects” and derives its name from the shape of its frame which, traditionally, is one-sixth of a circle, or in Latin, sextantis/sextãns. Isaac Newton had explored its principles back around the turn of the 17th century, well before the invention of satellites and our ever-loved but over-relied upon GPS (or even electricity itself). For that reason alone, they make an invaluable tool for anyone planning to rewrite the record book and circumnavigate the globe in their handmade, one man canoe!

The Royal Crafts range of Sextants are not only beautifully hand-crafted examples of this sailor’s ‘best friend’, they are also a great dinner-party conversation starter. All our sextants are presented in their own custom-made wooden box, making them the perfect gift for anyone that has an interest in the history of navigation, in old-school exploration and discovery, in applied mathematics. Or for someone who simply appreciates having stunning and intriguing antique-inspired pieces in their collection.